‘Okay, so if it wasn’t you, who did it?’
‘I’ve no idea.’ He puts his palms up in surrender. ‘I swear to God.’
Dammit. Then who the fuck sent it around?
‘Okay, fine. I believe you.’ I nod to Nicholas and we turn to leave.
‘Wait! Are you still going to post the photo?’ he asks, his arms wrapped around himself.
I smile smugly. ‘You didn’t think you were gonna get away with it that easily, did you?’
Wednesday 14th November
Alice
We’ve spent the last couple of days having sex around the flat. Poor Pickles keeps looking at us with her head turned to the side. My God, the sex is hot, just as Brooke promised. But one glaringly obvious thing hanging over us is that we’ve not discussed if this is a proper relationship or just a friends-with-benefits situation.
It’s Nicholas’ thirtieth birthday tonight so we’re all going out for dinner. He insisted he didn’t want a party. A mid-week meal was the craziest he’d allow Brooke to organise. She’s booked us into a Chinese restaurant that has a private back room you can hire. I’m sure he’ll still groan over that.
It’s the first time I’m seeing Molly since I lost it and told her I knew she was into Charlie. I haven’t spoken to her since. She hasn’t even sent me her occasional happy quotes to make me smile. She must be really upset.
Tom and I are nearly at the restaurant and still neither of us have brought up how we’re going to act in front of everyone. I’m sweating at the thought of it. I know they’re going to grill me about it.
Another thing I can’t stop worrying about is if Tom was telling the truth about being clean. I mean, he’d have no reason to lie, right?
We’re the first at the table. I sigh a massive sigh of relief. If we’d have walked in hand in hand, they would have pounced on us.
Brooke has decorated the wood panelled room with a huge thirty balloon, streamers, and I don’t doubt she has a personalised cake out back for him.
I order a large wine and fiddle with the rings on my fingers.
‘Why do you look so nervous?’ Tom asks with a bemused look on his face.
‘No reason!’ I shrill loudly. Way to play it cool Alice.
He opens his mouth to say something when Molly comes rushing in looking flustered.
‘Sorry! Sorry I’m late,’ she says, taking her coat off to sit down. ‘I am just absolutely manic organising this charity night at the zoo. You’d be surprised how much work it is. You’re still coming, right?’
‘Of course,’ I smile. I’ve taken the animal pictures for their website thanks to Molly, so I like to keep my foot in the door. ‘I can even take a few shots if you like?’ I offer, as way of an apology for being a bitch the last time she saw me.
‘Really?’ she asks, eyes wide with excitement. ‘That would be amazing!’
No, Molly is amazing. She never holds a grudge after an argument. The girl is pure sunshine.
‘Of course.’
Evelyn, Erica, and Jack are the next ones in. Brooke’s always late. We exchange kisses and talk about what we plan to wear to Molly’s charity do at the zoo. Charlie comes in still wearing his suit from work. He’s got the next two days off, so he can relax tonight without worrying about driving back to Peterborough.
Brooke and Nicholas are next in. He’s wearing a giant lit up badge saying, ‘Hug me, I’m thirty.’ The poor guy.
‘Sorry, bitches, but my hair just wouldn’t co-operate,’ she says as she breezes in. ‘But I finally have the birthday boy.’ The minute she spots me she freezes. ‘Oh my god, you had sex,’ she blurts out.
I spit out some of my wine.
‘What?’ I shriek, feeling my cheeks heating up. Do not go red. Do not go red.
‘You totally have!’ she insists, taking off her red trench coat.
Do not look at Tom. Whatever the hell you do, do not look at him.
‘How on earth can you tell that?’ Erica asks, looking between us.
‘It’s obvious,’ she chuckles. ‘She might as well have it tattooed on her forehead.’ She pulls out the chair. ‘Now come on, I want deets!’
‘No way!’ Molly says clapping excitedly. She turns to Tom. ‘Were you the lucky man?’
Evelyn rolls her eyes. ‘Please tell me you bunked up with a total stranger and didn’t shag that manwhore?’
Tom glares back at Evelyn but doesn’t say anything.
‘What, you’d rather I sleep with a stranger than Tom?’ I look to Tom and give him a shy but encouraging smile.
‘Yeah, that’s crazy logic,’ Erica laughs, ‘even for you.’
‘Whatever,’ she snorts. ‘Just don’t come crying to me when it all goes tits up.’
‘Evelyn!’ Brooke snaps. ‘Stop being such a Debbie Downer and just listen, will you?’
‘Yeah, tell us everything,’ Molly coos, leaning in.
‘There is nothing to tell!’ I insist feeling my cheeks heat. ‘Now, can we please go back to enjoying Nic’s birthday?’
‘Yeah,’ Nicholas says. ‘I’m feeling very birthday diva right now,’ he says sarcastically. I smile back at him, grateful for the help.
I look back at four intrigued faces, eagerly waiting for me to spill. The moment the guys are out of earshot, they’re going to be grilling me.
We go about ordering our food and chatting random shit. I excuse myself to go to the toilet. As soon as I’m walking, I hear the girls make the same excuse. Damn it, they’re after me.
I walk into the toilets and lean against the sink, ready for the onslaught. A poster for a vintage fair catches my eye. Sometimes I wish I had friends that were into the same things, but I’ve dragged these girls to one too many vintage fairs over the years.
The door bangs closed behind me and all of them stare expectantly, their eyes wide in excitement. Well, Evelyn’s is in disgust.
‘Guys, it’s private.’
I’m not like Brooke. I don’t openly discuss my sex life. Another reason why I was so mortified when those pictures came out.
‘No fun!’ Brooke protests.
‘Well, at least tell us how it happened?’ Erica pleads, her eyes wide and desperate.
I feel my cheeks flush.
‘Oh my god,’ Molly coos, ‘you are so in love.’
I push her on the shoulder. ‘Shut up. I’m not in love with Tom ‘Manwhore’ Maddens.’
Evelyn snorts. ‘Well, at least you still have some of your brain still intact.’
‘Purlease,’ Brooke laughs, ‘I’m sure he fucked all the sense out of you!’
I cringe. ‘Brooke!’ we all shriek, before collapsing into hysterical laughter.
They all keep looking at me expectantly.
‘Ugh, okay, fine. So, I took him to my parents for dinner.’
‘Whoa!’ Erica stops me. ‘He’s already met the parents? Is this serious?’
I shake my head. ‘It wasn’t like that. Anyway, it’s a long story, but we left my parents after they were arseholes and Tom found out about the photos. He was demanding to know his address and then it just kind of... happened.’
‘Oh em gee!’ Molly shrieks. ‘He went all burly caveman on you. That is SO sweet!’
I roll my eyes but can’t stop from laughing.
‘You didn’t tell him, did you?’ Erica asks with concern.
‘Of course not.’
‘Good,’ Evelyn nods. ‘God knows he’d only go and get himself arrested. Not that I can blame him for wanting to carve his dick off. I’ve had similar thoughts myself.’
We all crack up laughing.
‘I take it I can count on you both for Friday’s zoo charity event then?’ Molly asks, shifting nervously from foot to foot.
‘Babe, stop worrying. I keep telling you we’re coming.’
‘Sorry.’ She chews on her lip. ‘I’m just bricking it. Worried something is going to go wrong.’
I’m pleased at the change of subject.
‘You’ll be fine, M
olls,’ Erica says with a supportive hand on her shoulder.
‘So, have you had the awkward chat yet?’ Erica asks, squirming at the thought.
‘Awkward chat?’ I repeat, confused. Ugh, she’s talking about me and Tom again.
‘Yeah,’ she nods, ‘about whether you’re exclusive. Whether you’re boyfriend and girlfriend.’
I cringe. ‘God, the whole thing is just so mortifying. I’m not having any such stupid chat with Tom. I’m just taking it day by day.’
‘Okay,’ Brooke nods, ‘but this is Tom we’re talking about. Maybe specify the only having sex with you part.’
I know she’s right, but it doesn’t stop me being a wimp. The others go for a wee, but Molly applies some lip gloss in the mirror.
‘Molly, I’m so sorry about what I said at the school fair,’ I whisper so the others can’t hear.
She shrugs. ‘It’s fine. If I’m honest, you might be right. I just… I’ve got a lot on at the moment. I don’t have time to be having a sexual identity crisis like this at the minute.’
‘Okay, well, what I meant to say is that I’m here for you, whenever you want to talk about it.’
She smiles. ‘Thanks, Alice.’
I go to have a wee myself. I wait until I can only hear Brooke’s heels by the sink before escaping the cubicle.
‘So, go on,’ she leans in. ‘What’s up?’
She knew I wanted to talk to her about something. I swear, sometimes she’s telepathic.
‘I did a stupid thing,’ I admit with a grimace.
She snorts a laugh. ‘Well, yeah, you slept with Tom, but don’t worry, it happens to the best of us.’ She winks.
‘No, not just that. The first time we did it... well,’ I swallow, ‘we kind of got caught up in the moment.’
She raises her eyebrows. ‘You mean you didn’t use a johnny with Tommy?’
I cover my face with my hands. ‘Uh, don’t joke about it. This is serious.’ My chest feels so tight whenever I think about it.
‘Jesus, what is it with you and Erica? I used to sleep around, but I always made sure I used a condom.’
‘Okay, enough of the lecture from queen slag herself.’
‘Hey!’ she shouts, throwing her paper towel at me. ‘I’m reformed!’
I smile. ‘Sorry. But, regardless. Look, I’ve got the implant, but I’m worried Tom wasn’t telling me the truth and might have caught something along the line.’
‘Well, yeah, he’s a manwhore,’ she agrees with a nod.
‘I know.’ I start chewing my nails. ‘So, will you... come to the clinic with me?’
‘Of course, babe. Have you not been before?’ she asks, as if every girl dreams of going there.
‘Of course not! I don’t make a habit of this.’
She chuckles. ‘Okay, chill your boots. We’ll go tomorrow. We need to talk business anyway.’
Thursday 15th November
Alice
I didn’t get a chance to chat to Tom last night. Well, more like didn’t have the guts. It helped that we were both so knackered we passed out as soon as we got in. Not even sex. Maybe he’s already bored with me.
I’m woken by gentle kisses on my shoulder.
‘Wake up, sleepyhead.’
I begrudgingly open my eyes to see his clear green eyes looking down at me with something like adoration. He’s holding a cup of tea and some toast. Wow, he’s a keeper. Who knew I’d ever imagine Tom ‘Manwhore’ Maddens being a keeper? I suppose stranger things have happened. Like dinosaurs.
I sit up, eager for the tea. ‘Wow, thanks. Did you use the vegetarian butter?’ I can’t help but check.
‘Yes,’ he smiles with a shake of his head.
‘What’s this all in aid of?’ I can’t help but be suspicious that he’s already fucked-up.
‘Just wanted to treat you.’ He smiles, too good-looking to want little old me.
I pretend to sniff the air. ‘And the kitchen isn’t on fire, right?’
He pretend punches me on the same shoulder he was kissing a minute ago. ‘Ha ha.’ He sits down next to me folding his legs underneath him. ‘Actually, there was something I wanted to tell you.’
Uh-oh. My stomach drops. This is it. When he lets me down. When he shows me he is the manwhore I’ve always expected him to be. He’s cheated on me already, or maybe he just wants to end this. Or make sure I realise it’s just sex and nothing else. My heart sinks at the idea.
‘Okay,’ I say with a forced smile. ‘What’s up?’ Sound breezy Alice. Fucking breezy.
‘Well... I kind of went to see your ex-boyfriend a few days ago.’
‘You what?’ I blurt out, completely muddled. ‘You went to see my ex?’
He nods. ‘That twat that uploaded your picture. Thought he needed a little talking to.’
‘How did you even find him?’ Did Erica give him his details? I didn’t even think I’d told her where he lived.
‘No, it was Nicholas that tracked him down. Anyway, we gave him a telling off.’
Visions of him punching him flash through my mind. ‘Tom! Tell me you didn’t beat him? The police will be here soon to arrest you, you idiot!’
He laughs. ‘Don’t be stupid. I barely touched him. But I did manage to take this.’ He hands over his phone. I press the unlock button to see him lying down with his dick out.
‘Oh my god!’ I snort a laugh. ‘How the hell did you get this picture?’
‘We kind of held him down. Anyway, it’s now up on the same revenge porn site and it’s been emailed out to his employer.’
My stomach drops. ‘Shit, what if they’re able to trace it to you?’
He smiles smugly. ‘You honestly think Nicholas would let me be that stupid? He uploaded it and encrypted the shit out of it. Or whatever the hell it is he does. There’s no way to trace it to us.’
I know I should feel happy about this, but... well, it’s just another life ruined.
‘Hey! Don’t you go feeling sorry for that creep. He did this to you.’
‘Yeah, but two wrongs don’t make a right.’
‘Jesus, Alice. You’re too good for this world, do you know that?’
I lean over and kiss him. ‘I’m too good for him. I’m just right for you.’
He grins. ‘Before we get on with some sexy time, I need to tell you. He’s adamant that he didn’t email out the link to people. Is there anyone else you can think of that would do it? Any other exes you threw up on?’
I burst out laughing. ‘No, I can’t say there is. He’s probably lying anyway. But… will you guys take it down?’
‘You’re joking, right?’
I shake my head. ‘I don’t feel good about it. Please, Tom.’
He rolls his eyes and sighs. ‘Fine.’
‘Also, I want to know if your boss is still making inappropriate passes at you?’
He rolls his eyes. ‘Chill, babe. I told her where to go and she’s left me alone since. I just needed to stand up to her.’
‘Really?’
‘Really,’ he nods.
He leans me back and starts kissing me passionately. But I can’t help but wonder, what if he was telling the truth about someone else sending the email? Who else would do that to me?
Alice
After our sexy session, I had a quick shower and now I’m on the way to the family planning clinic with Brooke. I can’t help but feel like I’m betraying his trust. It worries me that I’ve slept with a man I don’t trust one hundred percent. Last time I did that I ended up with naked photos of myself all over the internet.
She’s stood outside puffing on a cigarette, her forehead unusually furrowed. She only smokes when she’s stressed.
‘Hey, Brooke, what’s up?’
She sighs and stubs it out under her foot.
‘Nothing,’ she shrugs forcing a smile. ‘Now let’s get you tested for STI’s.’
‘Shush!’ I snap, looking around to see if anyone heard her. ‘I don’t want the whole world knowing. And
don’t give me that bullshit. I see you with your stress cigarettes.’
‘Ugh, fine! Nicholas is on about me moving to Peterborough again.’
‘You’re joking?’
She sighs. ‘I wish I was. I can’t move there. Do you know what happens to people like me that move to shit places like Peterborough?’
I glare at her. She’s only been there a few times.
‘They give up. Cease to exist. Next thing you know I’ve got three kids, a bitchy cat, and a baggy vagina.’
I burst out laughing. She doesn’t join me. She looks more worried that it’s actually going to happen.
‘Brooke, you need to talk it through with Nicholas without slagging off his home town.’
She bites her lip. ‘I just don’t get why he wouldn’t want to move here. I mean it’s Brighton for God’s sake. Plus, on top of that Erica and Jack are talking about getting their own place. They’re sick of me walking in on them doing it.’
‘Hi, can I help you?’ a lady at the reception desk asks.
‘Oh,’ I almost forgot where we were for a minute. ‘Yes, I’m here to see someone please.’
‘Down the hall and sit on the chairs. You’re number eighty.’ She hands over a ticket.
Wow, there must be a lot of sluts about today. Myself included.
‘You’ll need to complete this.’ She hands over a form clipped to a clipboard.
We take a seat. I have a quick scan over the other people waiting, all of us trying to avoid looking each other in the eye. No-one I recognise, thank god.
‘So why doesn’t he want to move to Brighton? I thought he could work from anywhere?’
She rolls her eyes. ‘Ugh, it’s his whole leaving his dad thing again. I mean, I get it. He’s all alone, but if he’d just see some of the women he’s been matched up with online he’d be far less lonely.’
‘You can’t force someone to do online dating if they don’t want to. He’s probably still cut up about losing his wife. I don’t think you ever get over that kind of thing.’
Bagging Alice (Standalone) (Babes of Brighton Book 3) Page 15
